Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

That is why we took measures in the budget to support families and households. As I said, the response around the VAT on gas and electricity was a measure that came with a cost. It was important to prioritise that in the context of the tax package. In addition, as I said, the social protection package we introduced will mitigate costs in the context of the changes we have made to the fuel allowance. Increasing the eligibility for households will help to support families most in need.

The Minister, Deputy O'Brien, is examining the overall regulatory framework as it exists for energy providers. We need broader reform of regulation across our economy in energy and in other areas. There is a need for this to be seriously reformed in the interests of affordability but also in the interests of having balanced regulation and quicker decisions in terms of driving wider economic growth, which is something we are all working on.

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